interpretations. Soon into their Middle School studies, students begin to practice how to articulate a perspective or a position and, during classroom-organized debates, will learn how to present a point of view and to defend and issue counterpoint arguments. Ethical considerations and multiple interpretations of characters and actions are a significant facet of the Judaic Studies experience through the Middle School years. Gradually, students are also learning ancient history of the Middle East and continue and will be exposed to chief elements in the Jewish story throughout the centuries leading up to modern times. Both the study of Israel, as well as being introduced to original rabbinic texts, rounds out the core Judaic studies program in the Middle School years. However, the school added Judaic electives in the 7 th and 8 th Grades during the 2020-2021 school year, which will be briefly explained in the next section. Judaic Electives in 7 th and 8 th Grades In an effort to enliven and broaden our Judaic Studies program, the school added a series of four electives for 7 th and 8 th Grade students to choose from for the 2020-2021 school year, with each elective covering one-half of the school year and classes would meet twice per week. The program thus far has been a popular feature of the school, and it has afforded Levine the opportunity to bring in outside educators to teach specific subjects. Students have been able to select from among these courses: History of Jerusalem; God and Science in the Torah; Heroes of the Torah; Special Studies in Holocaust History; and Mishnah and Law. Leadership and Community in Judaic Studies Each of the Lower School Grades, from Kindergarten thru 4 th Grade, focuses on a singular all-grade performance event each year called Chagigot, or festivities. This is an opportunity for each grade to prepare a performance of traditional song and movement, and with solo speaking roles distributed among all members of the grade, in a performance typically presented to parents, either in the morning or in the evening. Students prepare for several weeks leading up to their performance date, and the event happens to be a celebration of learning alongside a celebration of the learning taking place in the Judaic and Hebrew classrooms thus far in the school year. Our Mission Statement ideals of self-confidence, leadership, and creativity are all significant facets of these Chagigot. In addition, the community of families is celebrated at these performances, which are always followed by desserts and soft drinks. Annual Israel Mission for 8 th Grade Students Perhaps the crowning experience for Levine students is the three-week Israel Mission experience, that traditionally takes place in the month of March of the 8 th Grade year. All students will attend this trip, which is a full-fledged experience throughout Israel, and the
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